Bihar Health Department to intensify village-level campaigns for AES prevention

Patna: The Bihar Health Department has devised a comprehensive strategy for the prevention and effective control of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) across the state. In this regard, Health Minister Mangal Pandey chaired a review meeting at Vikas Bhawan with district magistrates and civil surgeons through video conferencing. He directed officials to focus on early vigilance and implement a concrete action plan to combat AES. Pandey emphasized coordinated efforts in affected districts, including continuous awareness campaigns, improved health services, better nutrition, cleanliness, drinking water supply, and timely medical care.

Minister Pandey announced that new AES kits would soon be made available in health institutions across the affected districts. These kits contain 13 types of essential medical equipment necessary for AES management. Two kits have already been distributed to each health institution in the affected districts, while five kits have been provided to the most impacted blocks of Muzaffarpur. Additionally, 100 AES kits have been preserved at the state level for emergencies.

The minister stressed the importance of awareness campaigns in every village, involving Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and Panchayat representatives. Special teams will be formed in each district to monitor potential cases and ensure prompt treatment. Dedicated beds will be arranged in highly affected districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Shivhar, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Siwan, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, and Samastipur.

In 2024, a total of 2,56,417 people, including doctors, UNICEF (State TOT), health officers, ASHA and ANM workers, Jeevika members, PRI members, and Anganwadi workers, were trained for AES prevention through online and offline sessions. Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Pratyaya Amrit, confirmed that doctors and paramedical staff will be available round-the-clock in affected areas.

The meeting was attended by Manoj Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Health Department, Suharsh Bhagat, Executive Director of the State Health Committee, Shashank Shekhar Sinha, CEO of Bihar Health Safety Committee, Amitabh Singh, Personal Secretary to the Health Minister, and other officials and employees of the Health Department and IGIMS.